The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

This contemporary novel covers one year in the life of Chicago University researcher Isadora. The setting sounds like the University of Chicago. On her 30^th birthday, Isadora stocks up on junk food, soda, and a magazine with an article titled “31 Ways to Be Happy Today!”. So far, her life hasn’t been happy. She loves her job, but that’s pretty much her life. Her apartment is very bland, and she mostly eats frozen dinners. Her mother may be a narcissist, and has never stood up for Isadora. Isadora sets out to prove that the article is wrong, and that the 31 steps will not lead to happiness.

First, after practicing in a mirror, she smiles at Marty, an older man sitting on a nearby bench. They end up meeting regularly for lunch on the bench. Isadora, very reluctantly, agrees to her assignment to help psychologist Cal organize his research project. Cal is, of course, handsome. Then Isadora meets her neighbor Darby, whose husband Dante cooks amazing Italian food, and goes to Saturday morning yoga with her. Yoga is decidedly not fun, but she encounters some nice people, including the instructor. Darby and Dante have four kids; 3 little boys and 10-year-old Delilah. Delilah likes quiet and shows up at Isadora’s apartment with a lunch box and a book, and turns out to be a kindred spirit, although one who can also pick locks.

The plot is somewhat predictable but the story is as appealing as cherry pie, and includes a gentle romance. A very funny scene has Isadora burning her grudges in her fireplace. She learns to forgive herself, tell off her ex-boyfriend, and go on adventures with Cal. Isadora is realistically scared to open herself up to connection with her new friends, worried about being hurt again. The final scene is her birthday, one year later. An engaging read.

Brenda